Automated Trash & Recycling Collection

Automated Collection

Beginning on the week of August 5, 2024, North Yarmouth will transition to an automated waste collection system. Like many communities in Southern Maine, North Yarmouth contracts with Casella Waste Systems for residential curbside trash and recycling collection. Casella is now moving to an automated collection system which requires use of Town-owned trash and recycling carts along its routes. All communities contracting with Casella are required to transition to the new automated system. No other waste hauler in the region offers rear loading collection.

Automated collection requires specialized trucks with an automated side loader. From inside the truck, the driver controls a mechanical arm which grabs the trash or recycling cart and dumps it into the truck. These automated trucks save time, labor costs, and are generally safer for employees. For communities, there is an initial expense involved in this transition: namely the purchase of new trash and recycling carts for every residence. These new carts are specifically created to function with the automated trucks’ mechanical arm. For North Yarmouth, this means approximately 32,000 carts are needed to provide every residence with both a trash and recycling cart. 

New Carts

North Yarmouth worked with neighboring communities in a joint bid process to purchase new trash and recycling carts. The Town awarded a contract to Toter, an industry leader, who offered a local representative for on-site assistance and high-quality stack-able, fully recyclable carts, composed of up to 50% recycled content. The 64-gallon carts have wheels for easy maneuvering and attached lids to keep trash and recyclables dry and secure. North Yarmouth  was fortunate to receive a grant of $8,000 from The Recycling Partnership to fund a portion of the needed recycling carts. The grant will also cover the costs of some educational and outreach materials related to the transition.  The Town of North Yarmouth purchased these carts for each residence. Should the resident move the carts should remain with the property. 

Cart Delivery & Implementation

A trash cart and a recycling cart will be delivered to residents’ homes the week of July 29, 2024.  Automated collection and the new collection route schedule will go into effect on Tuesday August 6, 2024. Note, some routes have changed. Find the new collection schedule here. Additional information on new routes and cart placement was included in a packet attached to the carts upon distribution. Going forward, you must use the new carts to participate in curbside collection service in North Yarmouth.

Cart Placement 

Carts must be placed at least 3 feet apart and at least 3 feet away from other objects like mailboxes or utility poles. The arrows on each lid should be pointing toward the street. See placement guide here or below. Improperly placed carts cannot be collected. Avoid placing carts on the sidewalk or shoulder if possible as a courtesy to bicyclists and pedestrians. 

Route Changes

As part of this transition, Casella added an additional collection day (Wednesday) to North Yarmouth’s collection schedule. As a result, collection days may change for some residents. Find the new collection schedule here. Be sure to check and see if your collection day has changed. The new collection schedule will be implemented beginning August 6, 2024. 

Orange Trash Bags

North Yarmouth will continue its “Pay As You Throw” (PAYT) waste disposal fee structure. Orange bags are still required for trash disposal. Technology provided by Prairie Robotics is monitoring collections to be sure orange bags are being used.  If orange bags are not seen by the camera during collection your household waste will  not be collected. Recycling should be placed directly into the new recycling carts and not in a bag. Everything must be placed in the cart for collection. Additional bags, bins, or broken-down boxes sitting next to the carts cannot be collected. If you have additional items to dispose of you may hold them until your next collection day or bring them Freeport Recycling Facility or Riverside Recycling Facility.

My trash was not collected. Who do I call? If your carts were placed curbside by 7am and not collected, contact Casella Customer Service at: 207-518-8653.